The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final: Argentina’s Historic Victory Over France
The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, held on December 18, 2022, at Lusail Stadium in Qatar, concluded with Argentina defeating France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw following extra time. This match marked Argentina’s third World Cup title and cemented Lionel Messi’s legacy, as he scored two of his team’s goals and successfully converted his penalty in the shootout, according to official FIFA match records.
Match Progression and Scoring Timeline
Argentina established an early lead through a penalty kick by Lionel Messi in the 23rd minute, followed by a goal from Ángel Di María in the 36th minute. France struggled to find rhythm for much of the regulation time until Kylian Mbappé scored twice in quick succession—a penalty in the 80th minute and a volley in the 81st minute—to force the match into extra time.
During the extra period, Messi reclaimed the lead for Argentina in the 108th minute. However, France equalized again when Mbappé completed his hat-trick with a penalty in the 118th minute. This performance made Mbappé the second player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, joining Geoff Hurst, who achieved the feat in 1966, as noted by BBC Sport.
The Deciding Penalty Shootout
Following the 3-3 deadlock, the title was decided by a penalty shootout. Argentina prevailed 4-2. Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive spot-kick to secure the trophy. For France, Kingsley Coman and Aurélien Tchouaméni failed to convert their attempts. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, was a central figure in the shootout, having made a critical save against Coman and forcing pressure on the French shooters throughout the session.
Historical Context and Significance
This victory marked Argentina’s first World Cup win since 1986. For Lionel Messi, the win filled the final gap in his career achievements, having previously led Argentina to victory in the 2021 Copa América. The match is widely regarded by football historians and the media as one of the most dramatic finals in the history of the tournament due to the back-and-forth scoring and the individual duel between Messi and Mbappé.
Key Facts from the 2022 Final
- Final Score: Argentina 3-3 France (Argentina won 4-2 on penalties).
- Venue: Lusail Stadium, Qatar.
- Key Scorers: Lionel Messi (2), Ángel Di María (1) for Argentina; Kylian Mbappé (3) for France.
- Individual Honors: Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot for the most goals scored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Argentina won the FIFA World Cup?
Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup three times: in 1978, 1986, and 2022.
Who were the primary goalscorers for France in the final?
All three of France’s goals in the final were scored by Kylian Mbappé.
Where was the 2022 World Cup final played?
The match was played at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, which served as the primary venue for the tournament.